I use neoprene backed mouse pads and/or heavy leather as the base, and wet/dry sandpaper. The Cold Steel had to be started out with 200 grit, then 400, 600, 1000, 1200, and finally 1500. Then, strop with red/green/black compounds. You can get the compaounds through Bark River Knives or quitea few other sources.

The technique is to lay the blade flat on the surface, and lift the spine only 10 to 15 degrees, moving the blade spine first edge trailing, naturally. Change the angle of the blade relative to direction of stroke so that every 10 strokes or so the 'scratches on the blade are at an angle to one another.

There are a lot of refinements on the technique, but that is basicly it. It is a bit of a commitment, and it takes the original finish completely off the blade, but the result should be mirror-like.

And don't do it on hollow grinds until you know what you are doing.